CANADA’S LABOUR MOVEMENT STANDS UNITED AGAINST GOVERNMENT VIOLATION OF WORKERS’ RIGHTS
Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, following an emergency meeting of Canada’s Unions on the Air Canada Flight Attendants Strike
‘’Tonight, the heads of Canada’s unions met in an emergency session to stand united behind Air Canada Flight Attendants in defying the government’s unconstitutional attack on workers’ rights.
We came out stronger and united, with a clear message to push back against the government’s attacks on workers’ rights: an attack on one is an attack on all. The labour movement is united and standing firm, and we will not allow these Charter-protected rights to be trampled upon.
Canada’s unions voted unanimously to call on the federal government to:
- Immediately withdraw the order under s.107 to end the legal strike by the Air Canada Component of CUPE;
- Commit to immediately cease the use of s.107 to end or prevent a legal strike in any labour dispute in the federal jurisdiction;
- Agree to amend the Canada Labour Code to remove s. 107 as the first order of business when Parliament resumes.
To support these demands, Canada’s unions stand ready to:
- Coordinate a fight-back campaign, reminding politicians and Canadians more broadly what these workers are fighting for;
- Promote and coordinate financial contributions from affiliates and others to assist with the legal and other costs related to the Air Canada Component of CUPE’s decision to defy the Minister’s order;
- Disseminate information on demonstrations and other actions with affiliates quickly to ensure maximum impact;
- Work with CUPE and all affiliates to ensure that if the government takes legal action against these workers, the labour movement will respond swiftly and stand united in unwavering solidarity.
Prime Minister Carney was elected to fight against Trump, not to undermine the rights of Canada’s workers. This government was elected to protect our jobs and our communities, not to support corporations like Air Canada that demand free work from their employees.
It’s time to do the right thing and respect Canadian workers’ right to collective bargaining.”
